4 Crucial Things You Need to Know About the Flu Shot
Flu season is around the corner, and
according to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to ward off
the virus is to get the flu shot. The information below will guide you
through factors about the flu shot you may not know. This includes the
best time to get the shot (and no, as soon as possible is not the right
answer); the best vaccine to ask for (there are several to choose from);
where to go for it; and how much it will cost, as well as how effective
it will be. Below are four crucial factors you need to know about this
year's flu shot:
1. When should you get the flu shot?
The flu vaccine is widely available in most
doctors' offices and pharmacies. But you may want to wait to get yours
until October - this is the optimal time to get the vaccine, according
to the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC). The Centers for Disease
Control also recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. The
reason is that some researchers suggest the vaccine's effectiveness
begins to drop after four months or so, particularly in older adults.
The flu season typically runs from October to March, but it is possible
that you may still get the flu in May. For this reason, getting your
shot too early could leave you more vulnerable to the disease later on,
particularly toward the end of the peak period for catching the flu,
which is primarily from December to February. In case you're worried you
miss the window, it's never too late to get vaccinated, even in
November, December or January.
2. Which type of shot should you get?
There are several different types of flu
vaccines, all of which have been updated for the 2018-19 flu season to
better match the viruses that will be circulating. Nearly all of this
year’s varieties will be quadrivalent vaccines, which protect against
four different strains of flu. If you are over 50, but younger than 65.
Any of the regular-dose vaccines are fine, except for nasal spray, which
is recommended for people up to the age of 49.
Those aged 65 or older who are especially vulnerable to the flu and
often get sicker when they come down with it should ask for one of two
stronger vaccines available. They can either opt for the high-dose
version, Fluzone High-Dose, which contains four times the amount of
antigen as a regular flu shot. Or FLUAD, a vaccine with adjuvant, an
ingredient that creates a stronger immune response.
3. Where should you get the shot?
You can get the vaccine from your doctor,
drugstore chains and most local supermarkets. Many supermarkets and
stores also sell the Flu shot. Some offices also offer the option of
getting the flu shot done at work. According to a study conducted by the
Society for Human Resource Management, nearly 60% of employers now
offer on-site flu vaccinations. As such it doesn't matter where you get
the flu shot from. Just get it from somewhere where it is convenient for
you.
4. How much will the vaccine cost?
flu shot Q&A
The flu shot is free for most people with health insurance. The
Affordable Care Act requires both government and private health plans to
cover the vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control - and
this includes the flu shot. In addition, Medicare also covers the shot
at no cost. Medicaid, on the other hand, covers flu shots for children
from six months to four years, and adults over 50, including older
children and younger adults with certain health issues. Most plans cover
flu shots given at pharmacies.
However, some people do end up paying out-of-pocket because it is more
convenient than filing an insurance claim. If however, you do not have
insurance, your local health center, or state health department may
offer free or low-cost flu shots.
Bonus: Is the flu shot safe and effective?
The flu shot is very safe and it is a myth that the shot can give you
the flu. The vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to become effective after
getting the shot, so it is possible that exposure to the flu in that
window may make you sick. It typically lowers your risk of getting sick
by 40% to 60% and reduces the severity of the disease if you do catch
it.
However, in any particular year, how effective the vaccine will be is
what's on everyone's minds, since the viruses in circulation change from
year to year. You can further reduce your chances of getting the flu
with simple, commonsense precautions, this means staying away from
people who are sick and washing your hands frequently. Following this
advice has been shown to reduce the spread of the disease by up to 50%.